Two large AURUS platinum consoles and a NEXUS audio network now provide excellent audio in the Konzert Theater Bern (formerly the Stadttheater Bern). They replace two Stage Tec CANTUS systems, which were installed in 1999 as the first digital consoles in Switzerland. As primary and secondary desks in a NEXUS audio network the CANTUS consoles mixed the audio for opera, drama, ballet and concert performances. Now two AURUS platinum, each with 32 faders have been installed. The mixing consoles are equipped with five RMDQ DSP boards for greater performance.

One AURUS platinum is installed in sound production on the second floor. The second console is portable and can be located in the auditorium when required. One of the advantages is that the Tonmeister can assess the mix for musicals and concerts from the audience perspective.

The NEXUS audio network with seven Base Devices and a STAR router was replaced completely and fitted with powerful modules to accommodate current requirements. In addition to routing audio, NEXUS also distributes all the monitor feeds to the various departments such as sound, lighting, stage equipment and stage management as well as the alarm in case of emergency.

Both portable NEXUS Base Devices can be installed right at the heart of the event enabling maximum flexibility and supporting creative direction ideas. For example, the Konzert Theater Bern has its own choir room, which is used frequently for live choral performances if the stage is too crowded.

‘Our goal was to create a sound department that meets all the demands of our wide-ranging production repertoire, be it opera, dance, drama or musical’, explains Bruno Benedetti, Head of Audio Engineering at the Konzert Theater Bern. ‘Stage Tec was the ideal partner, because with the new AURUS consoles and the new NEXUS network we were able to modernise the existing equipment – without sacrificing quality or operational reliability.’

The Stadttheater Bern was established in 1903. In 2011, it merged with the Bern symphony orchestra to form the ‘Konzert Theater Bern’ trust. Since that time, the four divisions symphony orchestra, musical theatre, drama and dance have performed under one roof within the trust framework.In recent years the Konzert Theater Bern has been renovated in several stages. 9th September saw the completion of renovations and the theatre’s grand re-opening with a great theatre festival. In the new season 2017/18, the venue’s schedule features more than 30 premieres and projects.